Affordable

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Music Lesson Reviews from Students

Students are raving about their Music instructors on TakeLessons.
Check out some of these recent reviews.

Review by James

"Marco is one of the best teacher ever, I knew him way back in 1997 when I first came in to the state. At first, one of my friend was taking the session an

d he didn't mind me just staying and observed. After a few classes, I decided to go with Marco. As a new immigrant, language barrier is a problem. He 's patiently teach me from a to z. Making sure I understand everything. Although, I knew some of the basic of the guitar. I was surprisingly I could learn how to read music. Be able to improvise with him during lesson. You're not just learning how to play song/guitar. You learn music theory all in a packet. I still remember one day I was playing in the local shop in HK, people was whispering this guy is good. This is a good memory that I have until now."

...

New York, NY teacher:
Marco O.

Review by Shanti

"Marta is a professional in every sense of the word. First of all, she is punctual, which in my book is everything. Once the lesson starts with my 11 yr.

old son she is incredibly focused and passionate about making sure he is really taking in what she is teaching. If she senses that he might not be getting something, she patiently starts over and goes over every step along the way. From posture to tonality she is giving my son a strong base from which he will be able to build on. He absolutely adores her and so do I!"

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Marta H.

Review by Bob

"Andrew is a great teacher! He is really patient and easy going. He makes my daughter feel really comfortable during the lessons which I think is very impo

rtant for a beginner. I would definitely recommend Andrew to everyone!"

...

Philadelphia, PA teacher:
Andrew C.

Review by Adam

"Matt's been superb with my twins

My sons, now 15, have been taking piano lessons and music theory from Matt for about three years now.

Can't say enough

good things about the experience. Matt is patient, thorough, flexible about days and times when needed, and from top to bottom comes across as an all-around great guy.

Gave four bars on teaching environment only because the lessons are at our house, and the rest of us aren't always quiet when Matt's teaching -- but of course that's not his fault, and he handles our disruptions with kindness and understanding!

One last cool thing about him is his contagious passion for music, not just as a teacher but as a performer, singer, and composer as well.

Highly recommended."

...

Los Angeles, CA teacher:
Matthew A.

Review by adam

"Jayne is wonderful!

My son has gone to Jayne for lessons for the greater part of a year. Aside from being a wonderful human being, I will list all the re

asons why she is an absolutely amazing teacher.

- She communicates really well with my son, AND with me. About everything from lesson plans to our schedule.

- She is patient, and kind to her students.

- She is always on time, and is very good about any schedule conflicts... and she always has things planned out.

- Not only is my son becoming a seriously amazing little piano player, he actually LIKES Jayne, as a person. Our time with her is always great. He is excelling in music theory and performance, beyond what I ever expected.

Can't say enough good things about her!"

...

New York, NY teacher:
Jayne I.

Review by Dawn

"Wonderful Teacher!

Working with Allen D. has been an incredible experience. I studied guitar as a child, but my experiences were not good, and although I

never lost interest in guitar completely, I did lose enthusiasm for my studies. Things are so different since finding Take Lessons and specifically working with Allen D.. Each lesson sparks my enthusiasm for guitar and music more and more. I have learned more in the short time I've been working with Allen D. than I did after years of lessons elsewhere. Allen is patient, extremely knowledgable, and makes learning fun. I look forward to my lessons each week. Best of all, I am actually playing and understanding music!"

Popular Music Teachers Near Bloomfield

Will M.

About Will

At the age of 12, I picked up the bass guitar to start a rock band with my neighborhood friends. After years of private lessons, I got my Associate's degree in music and shipped up to Boston to earn my BA at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. During my time in college I joined a number of bands, had my music played on the radio for the first time, and even founded my own mobile recording company. I found that my best teachers were the ones who were willing to learn themselves, so I decided that my own quest for education would never be finished.

*** Lesson Details ***I want to get

you playing music immediately! Beginning students are much more likely to stick with an instrument if they see immediate results, so I don't waste time in the first lesson forcing you to learn lots of music theory and fingering exercises. My approach to teaching uses the songs you know and love to introduce important musical concepts, so you become a well-rounded musician while having fun playing music. Remember, a musician's job is to entertain! I can get you moving with beginner to intermediate guitar lessons, or have you playing the bass on a professional level.

*** Travel Equipment ***I expect the student to provide an instrument and amplifier to play on, and to purchase any necessary teaching materials. I will provide my own instrument and amplifier when necessary.

Reviews

Robert D. February 21, 2013
Bass Guitar

From Learning To Doing

When I started taking lessons I was very much a beginner. Will helped me out. We started at the bottom working some scales and learning the fundamentals. Once I figured out some of the basics we got to do what I wanted to do, play!!! After just a few months I became comfortable playing in public and now I gig all the time. All of this thanks to Will. Thanks Will!

Nathan E. February 6, 2013
Bass Guitar

The boost I needed to get playing again

Will's lessons didn't only help improve my bass playing, but also gave me the confidence I needed before recording in the studio. He was patient and didn't mind working with me until I had my skills down. His lessons are more practical than others I have had with a more "classical" feel. I would recommend Will's lessons to anyone who is looking to improve their bass playing or have some fun rocking out to great tunes.

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Will M.

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Will M.

Kearny, NJ 07032

(2)

starting at

$22
/ 30-min

Tamara W.

About Tamara

Music has been in my heart since I was a small child. I loved it so much that after 4 years in the U.S. Air Force and 6 successful years in the computer field, I returned to school to study my passion...singing! While in the Air Force, I was a soloist with the Aviano Gospel Choir in Aviano, Italy, from 2000-2001, where we toured different cities in Italy to perform for music festivals and public concerts. During my time there, I also performed with different bands and began making a name for myself as a vocalist.

In 2009, I received my BA in Music from Southern Illinois University - Edward

sville, IL where I studied classical and jazz voice. After graduating in 2009, I received a full scholarship to pursue my Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University, one of the premiere jazz programs in the United States under the direction of world-renowned jazz bassist and composer, Rodney Whitaker.

While studying at Michigan State University, I toured with the MSU Jazz Orchestra and performed at prestigious events such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival; the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL; the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival; the Lansing Jazz Festival; and the 2011 Elmhurst Collegiate Jazz Festival in Elmhurst, IL, where I was honored with an "Outstanding Soloist" award for Jazz Vocal Performance.

In 2011, I was also featured in I AM ENTERTAINMENT magazine where my music was described as "...sheer and unexpected delight! Her music takes you to another place. That is what great music is supposed to do." In May of 2011, I was also featured on the cover of REVUE Mid-Michigan magazine.

After receiving my Masters Degree from MSU, I moved to New Jersey to pursue my teaching and performing career. I currently teach private lessons and am the Founder and Director of Music Beyond Measure, which creates music recovery programs for trauma survivors. Formerly, I was the Vocal Jazz Ensemble Director for Jazz House Kids in Montclair, NJ. In addition to teaching, I also perform with different bands in the NY metro area.

I have been fortunate to perform with an elite list of jazz musicians, such as Sean Jones, Tia Fuller, Rodney Whitaker, Sean Dobbins, Perry Hughes, Wes Anderson, Ron Blake, Jim Alfredson, Etienne Charles, Diego Rivera, Steve Ritchko, Paul Keller, and many more throughout my jazz career. I also had the honor of being chosen to perform for a master class with Grammy Award-winning artist, Esperanza Spalding.

Although I am mostly trained in jazz voice, I work with singers in various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, and musical theater. Whatever style you are interested in singing, I know that I can help you to approach singing in a way that will maximize your vocal potential.

*** Lesson Details ***I believe that music is for everyone! Whether you are a beginner or a professional, I want to help develop your voice in the healthiest and the best way possible. Whatever your goals are for taking private singing lessons, I will be happy to customize a program according to what it is that you would like to accomplish.

It is extremely important for my students to be well-rounded musicians. Whether you are a country or Broadway singer, you will learn how to sing using classical technique. Aside from technique, you will learn everything from how songs are constructed to how to lead a band and everything in between. No matter what it is that you want to learn, I guarantee that you will have fun while doing it and you will learn how to fall in love with your voice!

*** Studio Equipment ***I have an in-home studio with a keyboard, keyboard stand, digital recorder, microphone, professional amplifier, sheet music, binders, and pencils. Students don't have to bring anything.

*** Travel Equipment ***When providing in-home lessons, I would prefer if the family provided a piano or a keyboard. However, if none of these are available, I will be happy to bring any equipment needed.

*** Specialties ***Even though I am a jazz vocalist, I am happy to teach various styles, such as pop, R&B, gospel, musical theater, etc.

...

Reviews

Chaealit S. July 3, 2015
Singing ·
In home Verified Student

She is very knowledgible about singing and great teacher. I enjoy learning from her. I would recommend her highly.

Gigi C. May 18, 2015
Singing ·
In home Verified Student

First she got a nice personality ,she very connectsd and effisce
nt ,I feel I will larn a lot with you.

Gigi C. May 18, 2015
Singing ·
In home Verified Student

first she got a nice personality, very efficient ,she s very warm and connecting,like that.

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Tamara W.

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Tamara W.

West Orange, NJ 07052

(4)

starting at

$36
/ 30-min

Erica S.

About Erica

Hi! My name is Erica, and I am a private lesson teacher, composer, arranger, and pianist currently living, writing, performing, and teaching in North Jersey. I believe that by having such a versatile musical background, I will be able to understand different needs and interests you may have and help you begin or continue your musical journey and reach your goals.

I currently teach 30 private piano and composition students in North New Jersey, and I am consistently inspired by all the progress all my students have made! My students have played classical pieces in recitals, played in jazz com

bos with other student musicians, written music that was performed by professional ensembles, learned how to play ragtime, and more. No two students have gone down the same path, because the curriculum was developed around the individual.

As a composer, I've penned over 15 charts for Jazz Ensemble, in addition to several charts for Studio Orchestra, Jazz Combos, Chamber Groups, Vocal Groups, and Film, and I've won a few awards, including 1st Place in the International Zurich Jazz Orchestra Composition Competition, a 2011 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award, and a 2012 ASCAP Plus Award. I co-lead a jazz orchestra that has performed in several NYC clubs. My pieces have also been performed by her own chamber group "Community of the Spirit," Kurt Elling and the Metropole Orchestra the Zurich Jazz Orchestra, Todd Coolman's Quintet, the Eastman Jazz Ensemble and Studio Orchestra, Bernie Williams and the William Paterson Jazz Orchestra, Weapons of Jazz Destruction, and others.

I've also been inspired by many teachers along the way. I have a BM in Jazz Writing (Composition) with high distinction from the Eastman School of Music, and an MM in Jazz Arranging from William Paterson University. My composition and piano teachers have included Jim McNeely, Bill Dobbins, Rich DeRosa, Harold Danko, Raymond Torres-Santos, Tony Caramia, and Adrien Cohen, and I am a current member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop in NYC.

I'm a very passionate teacher and I'm excited to begin your musical journey!

*** Lesson Details ***In addition to a customized lesson plan (dependent on your goals, strengths, weaknesses, and interests) you get introduced to a wide variety of styles and concepts. Some of the things you will do in your musical adventure with me include:

1) Learn classical pieces ranging from short Bach Minuets if you're a beginner, to Chopin Nocturnes and Bach Preludes and Fugues if you're advanced.2) Learn the "why" behind music... Why does this sound quirky? Where does the musical statement end? What harmony is the composer using?3) Write your own music. We might take a new concept you learned, and you may compose a song based on it. Or you may have your own ideas, and I'll help you take them to the next level.4) Learn to improvise and learn how to play some jazz. You will play over blues and learn jazz standards. You will also learn how to play by ear.5) Learn basic conducting.

*** Specialties ***I teach classical and jazz, and usually like to incorporate both into lessons at some point, even if the student may have a greater interest in one of these (so you don't have the classical pianist that has never played one note not written in the music or doesn't know how to spell a simple major triad, and you don't have a jazz pianist whose reading skills is not up to par, and has no regard for tone/touch). Typically students not only read classical repertoire (Bach, Beethoven, Bartok, Kabelevsky, etc.) but also learn how to improvise over a blues, read a lead sheet, and figure music out by ear. I'm also comfortable with rock styles.

I also have a lot of experience accompanying (musical theatre, instrumental, vocal...) and I like teaching the student how to follow a soloist. I teach students how to read lead sheets so they can read whatever they may get from a vocalist, and I teach chord theory so that they can easier recognize patterns in music when playing with an instrumentalist or vocalist.

I incorporate composition and theory into lessons, usually in conjunction with whatever piece they are learning (explain what type of chords are in their piece, or explain how they move, or why something may sound discordant or may go somewhere expected, or I may teach them phrases in music just like sentences work in English.) I definitely, however, work with students who are more serious in composition as well and talk about how to develop their pieces, how to create ideas, how to get out of a "writers block," orchestration techniques, encourage them to expand their instrumentation, etc.

...

Reviews

Iris July 13, 2015
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

Erica is great at explaining and teaching my 5 year old daughter piano.

Annie G. April 14, 2015
Piano ·
In home Verified Student

I am an adult student with some piano in high school who began lessons in January, 2015. Erica is a brilliant musician. She is always ready when I arrive, fully able to remember where we left off, and always making sure that I make progress. She is 100% professional. I have learned so much from her about music theory and composition -- it has been great.

Brian A. February 21, 2013
Piano Verified Student

She gets it!

Quick background: I was classically trained for about 7 years in piano, starting when I was around 9. My teacher was great, and did an awesome job of driving the fundamentals.

Fast forward to more recently: Having not taken lessons for 15+ years (I had continued playing and learning...just without a teacher), I decided I wanted to pursue a bit more jazz and theory. I went back to my childhood teacher, who very honestly told me that jazz was not his forte. I took a few months of lessons with him, which helped to get me back into the swing of things, but I was really interested in jazz.

I found Erica on takelessons, and she was truly amazing! If you're looking for a teacher who is always "by the book", this isn't her. While I'm sure she can do that, she thrives in allowing you to be a musician. Her understanding of complex time signatures is great, and she really helps to chunk things up into manageable pieces.

Some of her greatest strengths, from the student's perspective, are her patience, friendly demeanor, STRONG understanding of music theory (she's a composer at heart, and I've no doubt that she's great at it), broad knowledge of music, from composers to artists, and her ability to help you learn to improvise. If I wanted to play different notes than what was on the page, within reason of course, that was ok. Having come from a classical background, that was quite refreshing.

I was always able to look forward to learning something new at my lessons; even her book recommendations have been excellent.

I'd say, because of her patience, she's a perfect teacher for adults and children alike. You really can't go wrong with Erica!

Lessons will focus on the obvious matters of technique and theory but also will be stressed o

n the musicality and "feel" of your instrument as well. After all, music stirs the soul and so I believe learning the craft must be done with curiosity and spirituality as well! You will learn everything from the fundamentals to classical music to jazz improvisation and rhythm and well anything you would want!

I am NOT looking to simply be your one-on-one musical drill instructor. I am a very open and sociable person and I tend to develop strong relationships with my students. I love to have a laugh, connect with people, but I also take music and teaching it very seriously, and so if music and honesty is what you seek, I would love to study it with you!

*** Lesson Details ***The things that I can guarantee you are my honesty, progress, friendship, and my utmost to try and enrich your life with the world of music. HOW you progress and how quickly you do so, is entirely up to you; a teacher/student relationship goes both ways.

I am a very engaged and involved teacher, meaning that I will be listening to everything, keeping detailed logs and playing my horn with you as much as possible! Depending on your level and commitment, we will do everything from studying the repetitive fundamentals, jamming together with some records, honing technique with classical pieces, and even just sitting and listening to the masters.

I will have direction to my teachings, but I also encourage students to speak their mind about anything. That way I can learn more about you and the things you wish to accomplish personally! With that said, you will be pushed, as I believe that is my sole responsibility as a teacher; to get the BEST out of you!

Reviews

Daniel J. September 7, 2014
Saxophone ·
In home

Yuki is the best sax teacher that I could imagine lives on this planet (by the way I’m one of his students.) It’s been maybe 5-6 weeks and I know him like my neighbor! Every time I see him I get better and better! Besides that he’s one of the nicest people I have ever met. I’m positive all of his other students are 100% satisfied with his lessons and will stay with him until they are better than he is. In the end he is a very positive sax teacher and his main priority is to satisfy your child with their skills and performance. I know that I’m satisfied and hopefully you will be too!

Patrick graham G. June 23, 2014
Saxophone ·
In home Verified Student

Yuki is a wonderful and patient teacher. I am sixty years old and have always wanted to learn the sax. He always takes time to explain what we are trying to accomplish, even with an " old guy " like myself. I highly recommend Yuki to anyone who wishes to learn the sax in a competent and relaxed manner

Patrick graham G. June 10, 2014
Saxophone ·
In home Verified Student

Yuki is a very patient and excellent teacher. He arrived on time and he made me feel comfortable both with him and my sax which I hadn't even opened yet. I would strongly recommend Yuki to anyone of any age who wants to learn to play the sax.

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Yuki Y.

View Profile

Yuki Y.

Bloomfield, NJ 07003

(6)

starting at

$30
/ 30-min

Katie M.

About Katie

Katie holds a Bachelorâs degree in Music from Central Washington University and a Masters in Trumpet Performance from Rutgers University at Mason Gross School of the Arts. Her principal teachers include David Krauss; Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Matthew Muckey of the New York Philharmonic, and Steve Emery of the Boston Pops.

As a trumpeter, Katie has appeared with the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass, The New Amsterdam Orchestra, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Sinfonietta Nova, the Yakima Symphony Orchestra, the Lake Chelan Bach Festival Orchestra and

many others in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Washington state. Katie was also a semifinalist in the Ensemble Division of the National Trumpet Competition for three consecutive years and appeared as a featured performer at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Boulder, Colorado. You can currently hear her as part of the pit orchestra in the latest Broadway revival of the KIng and I, now playing at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

As a private teacher, Katie has worked as a resident artist and teacher at the Luzerne Music Center Festival in upstate New York, and as a regular member of Play On, Philly! She maintains an active private studio in Montclair, NJ.

*** Lesson Details ***I am primarily a trumpet teacher, but I also have experience with beginning trombone and french horn students. I like to tailor each of my lessons to the individual student, with general weekly playing assignments that help to expand each student's ability level.

Reviews

Katie is great. Just the right temperament for my 9 year old daughter. Patient and personable.

Marc R. December 12, 2014
Trumpet ·
In studio Verified Student

Katie is an excellent teacher and musician. She is very encouraging and intuitive. I have made definite progress since I started my lessons. In the future, I plan to continue as her student.

Christy C. October 30, 2014
Trumpet ·
Online Verified Student

Katie has helped my son refresh his skills and learn new ones on the trumpet. She is always on time, pleasant, and goes the extra mile with regular progress updates and provides practice music. My son is 11 years old and love his lessons with Katie, so much that it is why Tuesdays are his favorite day of the week. I highly recommend Katie!

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